Kuvempu University has decided to restrict its distance education programmes only to students within the state.
The decision was taken by Kuvempu University Directorate of Distance Education (KUDDE) after receiving directions from University Grants Commission (UGC) which asked all universities offering programmes to restrict them to the territorial jurisdiction of their states.
“No fresh admissions will be offered to students outside the state to any course offered by KUDDE from the current academic year,” V-C S A Bari said.
Bari told Express the KUDDE will abide by the direction and is also committed to protecting the interests of students.
The varsity started its distance programmes in 2002-03. The varsity offered graduate and PG courses not only in social science subjects but also science subjects. However, these courses were recognised only from 2008. Since then, thousands of students pursuing various courses, including MSc, MBA, MHRM besides graduation and diploma courses.
KUDDE director M Venkateshwaralu told Express: “Ours is a major university that was catering the needs of thousands of students. We had centres not only in the state but also outside, including Delhi.”
In a letter to the university, the UGC directed that no university, whether central, state, private or deemed can offer its programmes through franchising arrangement with private coaching institutions even for the purpose of conducting courses through distance mode.
It directed them to follow UGC’s policy of on territorial jurisdiction, study centres and non-franchising of study centres for offering programmes through distance mode.